About Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena is a freelance writer for both Country Music News and Country Music On Tour. Want to collab on some content? Email me. Want my rates for commercial promo work? Get them right here.

Bucky Covington Headlines NASCAR Post-Race

Bucky Covington will headline the NASCAR Post-Race Concert October 24th in Memphis. Bucky Covington has got his fans hearts racing as he announces that he will be the headlining performer at the Comcast Concert Series Post-Race show following the NASCAR Nationwide Series Kroger On Track For The Cure 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park coming up on October 24, 2009 in Memphis, TN. The free show starts immediately after Saturday’s race, which is slated to get begin at 2:30pm. Concert-goers will be treated to a high energy set featuring a sneak preview of the new music from Bucky’s forthcoming release. “I’m thrilled to perform for the NASCAR crowd to say the least,” said Bucky Covington. “My two favorite things have always been cars and country music. We’re going to get the audience all revved up and have a great time.”Country Music Photo Gallery

Taylor Swift on Saturday Night Live

Taylor Swift will be doing double duty as she participates in sketches AND performs on Saturday Night Live November 7th! Taylor Swift  is more than ready for her appearance on SNL next month, telling Associated Press: “I’ve been thinking about skit ideas for a long time. There are definitely some hilarious things that have happened to me over the past couple of months that I think will be pretty substantial skits.” Taylor is only the fourth musician to fill both rolls of host and performer in the history of SNL, joining the ranks of Garth Brooks, Justin Timberlake, Sting, and Janet Jackson. The show airs Saturday November7th at 11:35pm(ET)Country Music Photo Gallery

2009 CMA Award Complete Performers List

The CMA announced more performers for the 2009 CMA awards show which airs November 11th, live on ABC. The performers for the 2009 CMA awards show are: Brad Paisley (Performing & Hosting) Carrie Underwood (Performing & Hosting) Tim McGraw Vince Gill (in a duet with Daughtry) Jason Aldean Lady Antebellum Billy Currington Miranda Lambert Taylor Swift Kenny Chesney (in a duet with Dave Matthews) Keith Urban Brooks & Dunn Reba George Strait Sugarland It doesn’t get any hotter than that! For more, visit www.cmaawards.com. Country Music Photo Gallery

Ashley Ray Raises $5,500 With ‘A Ray Of Hope’ For Komen Foundation

Singer Ashley Ray teamed up with friends and colleagues to form “A Ray Of Hope” which walked in last week’s breast cancer walk. Through pledges and donations the team was able to raise over $5,500 to go to the Susan G. Komen For The Cure foundation. Ashley reveals that her passion and support for the cause hits very close to home, as her own mother was suddenly diagnosed with three different types of cancer just one year ago. “Helping raise money for this walk was the least that I could do for having my mama walking beside me. A lot of people we met on race day had lost their loved ones. I hope next year we can raise even more money!”Country Music Photo Gallery

2009 American Music Awards

The 2009 American Music Awards are almost here! Here’s your list of Country nominees: COUNTRY – Favorite Male Artist Jason Aldean Darius Rucker Keith Urban COUNTRY – Favorite Female Artist Reba McEntire Taylor Swift Carrie Underwood COUNTRY – Favorite Band, Duo or Group Rascal Flatts Sugarland Zac Brown Band COUNTRY – Favorite Album Unstoppable – Rascal Flatts Fearless – Taylor Swift Foundation – Zac Brown Band CAST YOUR VOTES TODAY!Country Music Photo Gallery

Brad Paisley’s Network Television Debut

Brad Paisley has announced his involvement with a new network TV show coming next season titled simply “Nashville”. Brad Paisley has confirmed that he will be participating in the production of a new TV series on CW titled “Nashville“. The storyline of the show is said to follow the struggles and successes of a young female rising star. Brad’s music will be used in the show, and he is said to be performing on it several times as well. “Nashville” comes from a team of creators whose prime time drama credits include hits like “One Tree Hill”, “Chuck”, and even the smash success “Heroes”.  Brad is quoted stating ““I’m very excited to portray the country music world of my favorite town, Nashville, by showing the exciting life of musicians, songwriters and performers – all very talented people.” says Paisley. “Look for some of your favorite country music stars to make their acting debuts on the show – either by playing themselves or as a character in the script. Country songs are like great scripts already and it’s going to be fun to see how some unfold on the show.”Country Music Photo Gallery

Country Newcomer “The Shells”

The Shells are described as “Cosmo Country” blending unique harmony with a pop-country sound. We want to know what you think! The Shells are a new country-pop trio from New York who are fighting to climb to the forefront of mainstream country radio. Their debut album “Written Roads” just released October 8th.  It’s your call readers… Do you think we should do a full feature on these gals? Take a listen to The Shells perform  “Wrong From The Start” and decide if these girls are picking up where the Dixie Chicks left off in all-female groups. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoAg12Eahno] Country Music Photo Gallery

Brad Paisley Surprises Fans with a New Truck

Brad Paisley shocks fans as he awards a brand new Chevy Silverado to his millionth ticketholder! Brad Paisley fans Tim & Amber Brown were tickled pick when the staff upgraded their seats at last night’s Jacksonville FL show, but they were absolutely floored when later Brad Paisley himself handed over the keys to a brand new 2009 Chevy Silverado pickup truck to the One-Millionth American Saturday Night tour ticketholders! The pair, along with their two children James and Logan, were approached before the show and given front row seats under the guise of an upgrade and then immediately following the show were invited backstage to meet Brad – still not knowing why or what was happening. When they were introduced to Brad he posed for a quick photo and then said, “Let’s go for a walk.” As they were walking he told them they were the millionth ticket holder and he had planned something special for them. When they approached the truck Brad handed Tim a set of keys and said, “It’s yours!” Amber was overcome with emotion and speechless while Tim shook Brad’s hand and thanked him over and over. Tim is in the Navy and the couple is expecting their third child. “You just don’t know how much of a blessing this truck is to us,” said Tim.Country Music Photo Gallery

Garth Brooks Live Press Conference from Wynn Las Vegas!

Garth Brooks highlights from the live video at  http://garthbrooks.com/octoberpressconference/index.html Refresh often to see new updates! Steve Wynn relates how booking Garth Brooks came about out of a private sound test in the concert hall. Steve confesses he had to buy Garth a jet plane to accommodate his tight show schedule so Garth can spend as much time at home as possible. Garth describes the upcoming show as possibly just “Garth and a Guitar” Garth jokes that he thought Steve couldn’t afford him… he was wrong. Garth explains how Steve put Garth’s family first. Garth says Steve leaves him open to quit at any time if this relationship does not work out for Garth and his family. Garth reiterates that it’s a one-man-show Garth gives props to “Wild Willy’s Saloon” in Stillwater, OK as giving him one of his first venues. The two begin taking questions. Ticket Pricing: Tickets are a flat $125 per seat, regardless of where the seat is. Steve Wynn emphasizes that they will guard against scalpers! FIRST SHOW IS DECEMBER 11TH, 2009 Additional confirmed dates are January 1, 2, 3, and 4! One show Fri, 2 on Sat, 1 on Sun They have allowed for flexible show times Garth is excited about playing in a venue that was engineered for sound rather than a sporting arena. TICKETS GO ON SALE OCTOBER 24TH! Country Music Photo Gallery